4

Note: Although masks cannot be applied to a 3D replicator, they can be applied to an
object that is used as a pattern source for 3D replicator.
For more information on working with masks, see Masking a Layer or Group.
Animating Replicator Parameters
Most of the replicator and replicator cell parameters can be animated with keyframing
or by using Parameter behaviors. If you animate the replicator’s shape-specific parameters
such as Radius, Twists, and Offset (in a Spiral replicator), the pattern on which the elements
are built is animated, not the elements themselves. To animate the elements of the
pattern, you keyframe the parameters in the Cell Controls group of the Replicator tab (or
in the Replicator Cell tab).
Keyframing the replicator parameters (or using Parameter behaviors) animates all elements
in the replicator symmetrically. To animate the individual elements in sequence over
time—without having to create keyframes—use the Sequence Behavior, described inUsing
the Sequence Replicator Behavior. To animate the replicator using Basic Motion or
Simulation behaviors, see Using Behaviors with Replicators.
Important: If you apply a Simulation behavior, or a Throw or Spin behavior, to a replicator
with keyframed parameters, some of those keyframed parameters are ignored. For more
information on using behaviors with the replicator, see Using Behaviors with Replicators.
You can also use keyframes to animate the parameters in a replicator’s Properties tab.
Parameters in this tab affect the replicator as a whole, not the individual replicator
elements. This can be useful for changing the replicator’s position or rotation over time.
Example: Creating an Animated Replicator
The following example demonstrates how quickly you can create attractive, complex
animated patterns with minimal effort. An animated replicator is created using a
hand-drawn shape as the source for the replicator’s cell. Once the replicator is created,
the Angle and Scale parameters are keyframed, and a Parameter behavior is applied to
the Radius parameter.
To create an animated replicator using keyframes
1 Add the object that you want to replicate to your project.
727Chapter 12 Using the Replicator